In a victory for community access to information and greater transparency, Assemblymember Aravella Simotas’ legislation, the Community Full Disclosure Act (CFDA), has been signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo on August 1 and takes effect 60 days from then. Simotas’ law improves the quality of information accessible to local community boards and municipalities in determining what types of establishments are appropriate […]
25th Annual Astoria 5K Against Drug Abuse
The day after the All-Star Game 5K in Prospect Park, the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Queens held their 25th annual 2013 5K Run/Walk Against Drug Abuse in Astoria. Although this event did not draw the nearly 5,000 runners that the All-Star Game race did, it certainly did attract a dedicated community, from local running groups to politicians. While Queens […]
Open Air Music And Movies At Astoria Park Waterfront
Throughout the summer, Astoria Park has been hosting the annual Central Astoria Local Development Coalition (CALDC) Waterfront Concert Series on the Astoria Park Great Lawn, facing the East River. Every concert is free. Also on the Lawn is CALDC’s 2013 Movie Night. All of the movies will run from 8:30 p.m. to approximately 10:00 p.m. People are encouraged to bring […]
Teen Starts Library Program To Improve Self-Esteem
Local teen Melissa Alfred started Catwalks of the World, a runway show and dance performance for teens that will take place on August 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Queens Library’s Lefrak City Branch. It is meant to encourage teens to celebrate who they are and improve their self-esteem. The program has been produced by Lefrak City volunteers. More than 40 […]
Caped Vallone Fights For BP Prize
Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. has often been cited as a bona fide crimefighter throughout his legislative career, and with just cause. Through his chairmanship of the Public Safety Committee, he has always taken a hard line on such issues as anti-graffiti legislation, calls for more foot patrol cops and more cops to keep the peace in city schools. The lawmaker […]
Medieval Monks Recorded Ireland’s Climate
Ireland enjoys a mild and stable climate. But even in Ireland there are years that stand out as unusual. Recently a team of researchers led by Harvard’s Francis Ludlow announced results of a study of Ireland’s climate based on the Irish Annals, a body of writing containing more than 40,000 entries. The Annals record events from 431 AD to 1649 […]
Mexi BBQ Kitchen & Draught
On a delightful summer evening, nearly all the tables were full at Mexi BBQ, inside and outside, with friends enjoying a very festive Happy Hour and delicious appetizers. From 5pm until 7pm Monday to Friday, the friendly bar staff serves up $5 classic margaritas, half price beers and an array of very reasonably priced appetizers including mini chicken quesadillas, chicken […]
QBG To Host Colombian Floral Artists For Festival
Queens Botanical Garden announced their sponsorship and participation in New York’s 2013 Festival De Las Flores (The Festival of the Flowers). This floral celebration and parade of multicultural unity is based on the popular traditional festival originating in Medellín, Colombia. In addition to the “silleteros” (floral artists) who are traveling to New York to construct the silletas (floral displays), representatives […]
Vallone Calls For Rebates From Time Warner Cable
Councilember Peter F. Vallone Jr. has called for the establishment of a rebate program whenever a television station with a substantial viewership is dropped by a cable or satellite provider. Time Warner Cable (TWC) recently ceased carrying CBS2—one of the most watched networks in the city—due to a payment dispute between the two companies. While TWC is providing refunds to […]
Van Bramer, Quinn Rename Street To Honor Rispoli
On July 27, Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer and City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn joined Louis Rispoli’s husband, Danyal Lawson, as well as their family, friends and local residents to honor the late Woodside resident who was brutally murdered last year. Several Woodside residents who Rispoli mentored performed several songs at the memorial street co-naming ceremony which took place at […]